While a well-engineered LBO may be something to marvel at, as Henry Kravis so often says, “Any fool can buy a company,” the hard part is knowing what to do with it afterward.
These days, investors and operating partners spend a lot of time in diligence hammering out detailed plans on how to do just that, so they can create real value over a relatively short period of time.
To execute on and deliver against these plans, GPs and management teams need reliable partners with significant domain expertise and muscle memory executing tactics that will help companies grow.
That’s where our team of private equity experts at Ruder Finn comes in.
We’ve supported GPs with LP communications, AGM planning and content creation, recruiting and fundraising for over a decade. In that same time, we’ve worked closely with select portfolio companies as ‘hands and legs’ executing against value creation plans over the hold period.
CASE STUDIES
WMS
Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) is a leading provider of mobile wireless connectivity for cruise and ocean ferry markets, holding an 80% market share over 25 cruise lines and 200 ships globally. Despite their dominance, their brand and websites were outdated and did not reflect their impact and growth. To address this issue, we created a new brand vision with a new logo, color palette, visual system, image library and iconography for online and offline use. We also redesigned, rebuilt and relaunched the WMS website and launched proactive earned media, targeting key industry and business publications.
C.H.I. Overhead Doors
C.H.I. Overhead Doors engaged Ruder Finn to develop a multi-channel video program aimed at engaging both internal and external audiences, including employee profiles and the company story. As the company rolled out it’s first ever Employee Ownership scheme, we collaborated closely with C.H.I. CEO, Dave Bangert, to create content to educate, drive engagement and shift employee mindset.
NFP
Ruder Finn created a successful executive visibility program for NFP’s CEO, Doug Hammond, who led a $1.4 billion go-private transaction and a recapitalization valuing NFP at over $3 billion. Focusing on “Rejection of Short-termism,” Ruder Finn positioned Doug as a thought leader through media relations, speaking opportunities and profile stories. This approach resulted in significant coverage in The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business and Chief Executive Magazine, enhancing NFP’s reputation in the insurance and broader business community.
Lyons Magnus
Ruder Finn partnered with Lyons Magnus to produce a 2-3 minute sales-oriented facility tour film for their newly built, state-of-the-art, low-acid aseptic manufacturing plant in Beloit, Wisconsin. The video showcased the facility’s advanced TetraPak filling lines, blending technologies and rigorous quality control systems, highlighting the plant’s strategic location, skilled workforce and certifications. This effectively positioned the facility’s value and capabilities to potential buyers.
Capabilities
Strategic Communications
Developing and executing communication strategies to align with business goals, including employee engagement, change management, crisis communication strategies, DEI campaigns and executive coaching.
Brand Development
Crafting and refreshing the corporate narrative or brand to resonate with stakeholders, including logo design, brand guidelines, messaging and visual identity materials.
Investor Relations
Managing communications with investors, including during Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
Production Services
Creative development and execution of pre-recorded content for events including case studies, culture films, CEO testimonials, sector overviews, and panel discussions.
Live Production for AGMs and Corporate Events
Dedicated technical and production team to orchestrate, livestream and manage your event, including event branding, digital and physical banners, invitations, pamphlets and agendas.
Digital Marketing
Implementing digital marketing strategies, SEO and paid advertising to enhance online presence by leveraging data-driven insights to optimize campaigns.
Content Creation
Producing high-quality content for various platforms to engage audiences.
Website/App Development
Designing and revamping corporate websites, apps and intranets for better user engagement and communication, including full-suite web design and development.
Executive Positioning
Positioning executives as thought leaders in the industry through tailored content strategies and media engagement, amplifying their voices across relevant platforms.
Employee Engagement
Creating programs and strategies to align and engage employees with company values and goals to create brand ambassadors.
Crisis Communications
Preparing and managing communications during crises to protect the company’s reputation.
Data Analytics
Conducting audits and analyses of marketing strategies to optimize performance, utilizing advanced analytical tools to uncover insights and trends that drive better decision-making
Transform Your Acquisition Strategy with Expert Insights
Watch our exclusive webinar where we dive into the critical role of internal communications in private equity. Learn from our industry leaders about actionable techniques to enhance employee engagement and boost operational efficiency, maximizing ROI across your acquisitions.
Watch the webinar recording hereAwards
PRWeek
Employee Engagement 
PRSA
Big Apple Award 
Sabre
Best Consumer Tech Campaign 
Cannes Lions
Pharma Product Groups Communications to Non-Healthcare Professionals, Pharma, Vaccines & Biotech